Tanot Mata Temple or Mateshwari Tanot Rai Mandir is the same temple you have seen many times in the Bollywood 'Border' movie. Tanot Mata temple remained untouched despite the heavy shelling by Pakistan during Indo-Pak war of 1971. The temple is located very close to India - Pakistan Border and tourist are not allowed to go beyond this temple.
Tanot Mata History
Goddess Tanot is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Hinglaz which is located in Lasvela district of Baluchistan. In 847 AD foundation of Goddess, Tanot was kept and idol was installed. Generation of Bhati Rajput takes care of this temple.
Earlier during the Indo-Pak war of 1965, Tanot Mata temple did not even touch by targeted bombs by Pakistan Army whereas all the bombs did not explode which falls in the vicinity of the temple due to Goddess Tanot divine power. Those unexploded bombs now can be seen in the Tanot Mata temple museum. After the war, Border Security Force of India continues to manage this holy temple till date. Located very close to the battle site of Longewala- Jaisalmer , visitors cannot go beyond the temple.
Now Tanot Mata turn out to be a popular tourist destination and a perfect place to explore in the Thar desert. Best time to visit Tanot Mata temple is October to March.
